Postpartum depression support group starting Sept. 25

Being a new mom can be joyous and rewarding. However, the demands of motherhood can also be overwhelming. As a mom, it can be difficult to find the time and energy to take care of your new baby and yourself. Maybe you are feeling moody, depressed, anxious, tearful, hopeless or sad? Nearly one in 12 women experience postpartum depression in the weeks and months after giving birth. Postpartum depression is a real illness and it can be treated!

The "Help for Mom" program at Far West Center in Westlake helps women who are at risk of developing or may currently be experiencing postpartum depression. Every mom in the program will have an initial assessment with the program coordinator to discuss issues that she is currently experiencing. Assessments are conducted in our office or in the mother’s home, when appropriate, in both Cuyahoga and Lorain counties.

Moms who are appropriate for the program are experiencing a range of emotions such as anxiety, stress, depression, sadness, feelings of being overwhelmed and lack of support. Every mom in the program has access to a variety of services including individual counseling, a six-week moms' support group and appointments can also me made with our doctors or nurse practitioners if a mom would like to discuss various medication options.

The group’s recovery goals are to educate the mothers on what postpartum depression is; discuss signs and symptoms of anxiety/stress and depression; goal setting; learn and implement self care and coping skills; teach relaxation and meditation techniques; education on medication and safety; develop healthy nutrition and meal planning; and increase support with other moms. 

Mothers can join the group during any week and not have to get “caught up” on any material that was already covered. Bus passes may be available to mothers who are unable to obtain alternate transportation to group and individual counseling sessions. Childcare may be provided for each mother’s child(ren) – infants up to pre-school age – during group. Food and drinks will be provided during each group session and various gifts will be given to participating group member.

The group starts back up on Tuesday Sept. 25. We will be meeting from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. every other Tuesday in our Westlake office on the St. John Medical Center campus. Any mom who would like more information or would like to schedule an assessment to be enrolled into the program, please call 440-835-6212, ext. 243.